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Das IG, Bryan Ringel J, Rajan M, Colantonio LD, Safford MM, Kern LM. Fragmented Ambulatory Care and Medication Count among Older Adults. Am J Med Qual 2025; 40:90-96. [PMID: 40051084 DOI: 10.1097/jmq.0000000000000227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2025]
Abstract
This nationwide cross-sectional study explored the relationship between ambulatory care fragmentation and medication use in older US adults, examining variations by chronic conditions and race. Utilizing data from the 2003-2016 REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) cohort study linked with fee-for-service Medicare claims, the authors analyzed care fragmentation (measured by the reversed Bice-Boxerman Index) and medication counts through a 2-week in-person prescription inventory. They employed negative binomial regression, adjusting for potential confounders, and conducted subgroup analyses based on chronic conditions and race. Of the 4524 participants, 40.7% experienced high care fragmentation and 59.8% used 5 or more medications. High fragmentation was associated with a 4% overall increase in medication count ( P = 0.03), a 7% increase for those with 4+ chronic conditions ( P = 0.01), and a 9% increase for Black participants ( P = 0.01). In conclusion, fragmented care is independently associated with greater polypharmacy, particularly among Black older adults and those with multiple chronic conditions.
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Jeong E, Su Y, Li L, Chen Y. Discovering Severe Adverse Reactions From Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions Through Literature Analysis and Electronic Health Record Verification. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2025; 117:1078-1087. [PMID: 39585167 PMCID: PMC11924148 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 11/26/2024]
Abstract
While drug-drug interactions (DDIs) and their pharmacokinetic (PK) mechanisms are well-studied prior to drug approval, severe adverse drug reactions (SADRs) caused by DDIs often remain underrecognized due to limitations in pre-marketing clinical trials. To address this gap, our study utilized a literature database, applied natural language processing (NLP) techniques, and conducted multi-source electronic health record (EHR) validation to uncover underrecognized DDI-SADR signals that warrant further investigation. PubMed abstracts related to DDIs from January 1962 to December 2023 were retrieved. We utilized PubTator Central for Named Entity Recognition (NER) to identify drugs and SADRs and employed SciFive for Relation Extraction (RE) to extract DDI-SADR signals. The extracted signals were cross-referenced with the DrugBank database and validated using logistic regression, considering risk factors including patient demographics, drug usage, and comorbidities, based on EHRs from Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) and the All of Us research program. From 160,321 abstracts, we identified 111 DDI-SADR signals. Seventeen were statistically significant (13 by one EHR and 4 by both EHR databases), with 9 being previously not recorded in the DrugBank. These included methadone-ciprofloxacin-respiratory depression, oxycodone-fluvoxamine-clonus, tramadol-fluconazole-hallucination, simvastatin-fluconazole-rhabdomyolysis, ibrutinib-amiodarone-atrial fibrillation, fentanyl-diltiazem-delirium, clarithromycin-voriconazole-acute kidney injury, colchicine-cyclosporine-rhabdomyolysis, and methadone-voriconazole-arrhythmia (odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 1.9 to 35.83, with P-values ranging from < 0.001 to 0.017). Utilizing NLP to extract DDI-SADRs from Biomedical Literature and validating these findings through multiple-source EHRs represents a pioneering approach in pharmacovigilance. This method uncovers clinically relevant SADRs resulting from DDIs that were not evident in pre-marketing trials or the existing DDI knowledge base.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Jeong
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
| | - Yu Su
- Department of Computer Science and EngineeringCollege of Engineering, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Lang Li
- Department of Biomedical InformaticsCollege of Medicine, The Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - You Chen
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTennesseeUSA
- Department of Computer ScienceSchool of Engineering, Vanderbilt UniversityNashvilleTennesseeUSA
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Coates MC, McClure LA, Vader D, Finley M, Sefcik JS, Gitlin LN, DiMaria-Ghalili RA. Impact of Polypharmacy on Symptoms and Health Outcomes in Older Adults With and Without Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias. Biol Res Nurs 2025; 27:47-59. [PMID: 39379018 DOI: 10.1177/10998004241289942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a critical gap in understanding the symptom experience and health outcomes of older adults with and without Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD) and polypharmacy (PPY). The primary aim of the study was to compare the number of symptoms experienced over time in older adults with and without ADRD by polypharmacy status. The secondary aim was to examine the trajectory of physical function and health outcomes over time in each group. METHODS This study utilized longitudinal data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study, a nationally representative sample of Medicare beneficiaries from 2016-2019. The sample was separated into four groups (N = 2,052): neither ADRD or PPY (n = 1,048), PPY only (n = 761), ADRD only (n = 116), and both ADRD and PPY(n = 127). RESULTS The overall sample was predominately female (57.9%), White (70.9%), aged 84 or younger (75%), married (46%), and had some college or a college degree (50%). Participants with both ADRD and PPY experienced more symptoms on average, had higher odds of falls, hospitalizations, and mortality than all other groups. Older adults with both ADRD and PPY had lower physical function, needed more assistance with activities of daily living and higher assistive device utilization compared to the other three groups. CONCLUSIONS Findings indicate that older adults with both ADRD and PPY experience more symptoms, negative health outcomes and physical function decline that can negatively impact their quality of life. Further research is needed to identify strategies for reducing PPY in people with ADRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha C Coates
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Leslie A McClure
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Vader
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Margaret Finley
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Justine S Sefcik
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura N Gitlin
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Vennu V. Polypharmacy Is Associated with Sociodemographic Factors and Socioeconomic Status in United States Adults. PHARMACY 2024; 12:49. [PMID: 38525729 PMCID: PMC10961768 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy12020049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
A thorough understanding of polypharmacy is required to create public health initiatives that minimize the potential for adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sociodemographic factors, socioeconomic status (SES), and polypharmacy risk in United States (US) individuals between 1999-2000 and 2017-2018. The cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset covered ten cycles between 1999-2000 and 2017-2018. All individuals aged ≥18 years were included. The simultaneous use of at least five medications by one person is known as polypharmacy. Multivariable logistic regression showed that there was a statistically significant association between polypharmacy sociodemographic factors (such as age between 45 and 64 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.60-3.92; p < 0.0001) and age of 65 years or above (OR = 3.96; 95% CI = 3.79-4.13; p < 0.0001), especially women (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.06-1.13; p < 0.0001), non-Hispanic blacks (OR = 1.66; 95% CI = 1.51-1.83; p < 0.0001), and veterans (OR = 1.27; 95% CI = 1.22-1.31; p < 0.0001)) and SES (such as being married (OR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.08-1.19; p = 0.031), widowed, divorced, or separated (OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.15-1.26; p < 0.0001), a college graduate or above (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.15-1.27, p < 0.0001), and earning > USD 55,000 per year (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.79-1.93; p < 0.0001)). Individuals aged 45 years and above, women, and non-Hispanic blacks with higher educational levels and yearly incomes were more likely to experience polypharmacy in the US between 1999-2000 and 2017-2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal Vennu
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 10219, Riyadh 11433, Saudi Arabia
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Uber R, Hayduk VA, Pradhan A, Ward T, Flango A, Graham J, Wright EA. Pre-emptive pharmacogenomics implementation among polypharmacy patients 65 years old and older: a clinical pilot. Pharmacogenomics 2023; 24:915-920. [PMID: 37965783 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2023-0185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: Pre-emptive testing of pharmacogenomic (PGx) variations has potential to improve medication safety and effectiveness; however, testing is not routine. Given the newfound payor coverage of multigene testing and the potential value of testing within aging patients, it is imperative to test local PGx testing capabilities, report results to patients and providers, and determine the value of testing. Materials & methods: We designed a randomized clinical pilot of a pre-emptive PGx testing process using the electronic health record compared with usual care among an aging primary care population. Results & conclusion: The impact of the program on prescribing patterns, healthcare utilization and costs of care will be evaluated. We hypothesize that implementation of a pre-emptive multigene PGx panel is feasible among elderly, polypharmacy, primary care patients, measured by the number of enrolled patients with PGx results entered in the medical record. Health system wide PGx implementation, including capacity needed to integrate these valuable results, is also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryley Uber
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation & Outcomes, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Vanessa A Hayduk
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation & Outcomes, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Apoorva Pradhan
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation & Outcomes, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Theron Ward
- Enterprise Pharmacy, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | | | - Jove Graham
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation & Outcomes, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
| | - Eric A Wright
- Center for Pharmacy Innovation & Outcomes, Geisinger, Danville, PA, USA
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Nguyen K, Subramanya V, Kulshreshtha A. Risk Factors Associated With Polypharmacy and Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Ambulatory Care Among the Elderly in the United States: A Cross-Sectional Study. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2023; 10:357-362. [PMID: 37233904 PMCID: PMC10491561 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-023-00358-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polypharmacy, defined as the concurrent use of multiple (commonly five or more) prescription drugs, is widely prevalent among the elderly. It is a preventable and significant contributor to morbidity and mortality among older people. It is linked to prescribing potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), which have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of adverse drug interactions and reduced compliance, and in some cases result in prescribing cascades where more drugs are prescribed to manage adverse outcomes. This study aimed to examine risk factors associated with polypharmacy and PIMs among elderly patients in outpatient settings in the US. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional analysis using the nationally representative National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, between 2010 and 2016. We extracted data from all people aged 65 years or older and evaluated factors associated with polypharmacy and PIMs using multivariable logistic regression. Weights were applied to obtain national estimates. RESULTS During the study period, there were a total of 81,295 ambulatory visits among adults 65 years and older. Being a woman (compared with a man) was more likely to be associated with greater prevalence of PIMs (OR: 1.31, 95% CI 1.23-1.40), and living in rural areas were more likely to be associated with both polypharmacy (OR: 1.15, 95% CI 1.07-1.23) and PIMs (OR: 1.19, 95% CI 1.09-1.29), compared with living in urban areas. Older age was positively associated with polypharmacy (OR: 1.08, 95% CI 1.06-1.10), but negatively associated with PIMs (OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.95-0.99). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests age, being a woman, and living in rural areas are risk factors for both polypharmacy and PIMs usage. Aside from primary care providers' roles in managing polypharmacy, collaborative care with other specialty providers, such as clinical pharmacists, should also be considered as an approach to improving the quality of prescribing in geriatric patients. Future research should further explore reasons for polypharmacy and focus on deprescribing and quality improvement initiatives in primary care to lower polypharmacy among the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khue Nguyen
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 4500 North Shallowford Rd., Suite 134, Atlanta, GA, 30338, USA
| | - Vinita Subramanya
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 4500 North Shallowford Rd., Suite 134, Atlanta, GA, 30338, USA
| | - Ambar Kulshreshtha
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 4500 North Shallowford Rd., Suite 134, Atlanta, GA, 30338, USA.
- Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Cao B, Hogan SL, Derebail VK, Ehlert A, Thorpe CT. Polypharmacy in US Medicare beneficiaries with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody vasculitis. J Manag Care Spec Pharm 2023; 29:770-781. [PMID: 37404075 PMCID: PMC10387912 DOI: 10.18553/jmcp.2023.29.7.770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Treatment requirements of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody vasculitis (AV) and high comorbidity burden among patients with AV may lead to higher potential for polypharmacy and its associated adverse outcomes, including adverse drug events, nonadherence, drug-drug interactions, and higher costs. Medication burden and risk factors associated with polypharmacy in patients with AV have not been well-characterized. OBJECTIVE: To characterize medication burden and examine prevalence of and risk factors for polypharmacy in the first year after diagnosis with AV. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study using 2015-2017 Medicare claims to identify incident cases of AV. We counted the number of unique generic products dispensed to patients in each of the 4 quarters after diagnosis and categorized medication count as high (≥10 medications), moderate (5-9 medications), or minimal or no polypharmacy (<5 medications). We used multinomial logistic regression to examine associations of predisposing, enabling, and medical need factors with having high or moderate polypharmacy. RESULTS: In 1,239 Medicare beneficiaries with AV, high or moderate polypharmacy was most common in the first quarter after diagnosis (83.7%), with 43.2% taking 5 - 9 medications and 40.5% taking at least 10. The odds of high polypharmacy were greater in all quarters for patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis compared with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, ranging from 2.02 (95% CI = 1.18 - 3.46) in the third quarter to 2.96 (95% CI = 1.64-5.33) in the second quarter. Older age, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, obesity, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score, coverage with Medicaid/Part D low-income subsidy, and living in areas with low education or persistent poverty were risk factors for high or moderate polypharmacy. CONCLUSIONS: Medicare beneficiaries with newly diagnosed AV experienced a high medication burden, with more than 40% taking at least 10 medications and the highest rates among those with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis. Patients with AV may benefit from medication therapy management interventions to manage complex drug regimens and reduce risks associated with polypharmacy. DISCLOSURES: Dr Derebail receives personal fees from Travere Therapeutics, Pfizer, Bayer, Forma Therapeutics, UpToDate, outside of the submitted work. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health or the Department of Veterans Affairs. Dr Thorpe receives royalties from SAGE Publishing for activities unrelated to the submitted work. This research is supported by internal funds from the University of North Carolina, as well as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health under award number R21AI160606 (PI: C. Thorpe).
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Affiliation(s)
- Binxin Cao
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Susan L Hogan
- UNC Kidney Center, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Vimal K Derebail
- UNC Kidney Center, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Alexa Ehlert
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
| | - Carolyn T Thorpe
- Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, PA
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Tran ATQ, Soullier N, Ankri J, Herr M, Carcaillon-Bentata L. Uses and perceptions of medications among French older adults: results from the 2020 French Health Barometer survey. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:602. [PMID: 35858861 PMCID: PMC9301842 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03289-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are few studies reporting on self-medication, perceptions or difficulties older adults have with their medications. This study aimed to describe the uses and the perceptions of medications among older adults in France and to identify patient groups based on that information. METHODS We used data from the 2020 'French Health Barometer' - a nationally-representative cross-sectional survey. We assessed polypharmacy (five or more medications), self-medication, and patient perceptions of medications. Robust Poisson regression was used to investigate socio-demographic and health-related factors associated with the outcomes. Latent class analysis was used to identify patient groups classified by the use and the perceptions of medications. Factors associated with group assignment were investigated by multinomial logistic regression. All analyses were weighted. RESULTS The study sample comprised 1,623 respondents aged 70-85 years. Polypharmacy and self-medication were reported in 23.5 and 48.7% of the older population, respectively. Polypharmacy was associated with increasing age, low education, and impaired health status. Self-medication was associated with female sex and high education. Among individuals taking at least 1 medication, 8.2% reported not to understand all their medications, and 9.7% having difficulty taking medications as prescribed. Among individuals taking at least 2 medications, 23.2% thought that they took too many medications. Three patient groups were identified: 'Non-polypharmacy, positive perceptions' (62.5%), 'Polypharmacy, positive perceptions' (28.0%), and 'Negative perceptions' (9.5%). CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy and self-medication are common in French older adults. One segment of people reported negative perceptions of their medications regardless of their polypharmacy status. This underlines the difference between the objective and perceived measures of polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anh Thi-Quynh Tran
- Anti-Infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INSERM, CESP, 78180, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Noémie Soullier
- Santé Publique France, French national public health agency, 12 rue du Val d'Osne, 94415, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Joël Ankri
- Anti-Infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INSERM, CESP, 78180, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Marie Herr
- Anti-Infective Evasion and Pharmacoepidemiology, Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, INSERM, CESP, 78180, Montigny-le-Bretonneux, France
- Epidemiology and Public Health Department, AP-HP, Université Paris-Saclay, Raymond-Poincaré Hospital, 92380, Garches, France
| | - Laure Carcaillon-Bentata
- Santé Publique France, French national public health agency, 12 rue du Val d'Osne, 94415, Saint-Maurice, France.
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Terman SW, Aubert CE, Maust DT, Hill CE, Lin CC, Burke JF. Polypharmacy composition and patient- and provider-related variation in patients with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 126:108428. [PMID: 34864378 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2021.108428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe polypharmacy composition, and the degree to which patients versus providers contribute to variation in medication fills, in people with epilepsy. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of Medicare beneficiaries with epilepsy (antiseizure medication plus diagnostic codes) in 2014 (N = 78,048). We described total number of medications and prescribers, and specific medications. Multilevel models evaluated the percentage of variation in two outcomes (1. number of medications per patient-provider dyad, and 2. whether a medication was filled within thirty days of a visit) due to patient-to-patient differences versus provider-to-provider differences. RESULTS Patients filled a median of 12 (interquartile range [IQR] 8-17) medications, from median of 5 (IQR 3-7) prescribers. Twenty-two percent filled an opioid, and 61% filled at least three central nervous system medications. Levetiracetam was the most common medication (40%), followed by hydrocodone/acetaminophen (27%). The strongest predictor of medications per patient was Charlson comorbidity index (7.5 [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.2-7.8] additional medications for index 8+ versus 0). Provider-to-provider variation explained 36% of variation in number of medications per patient, whereas patient-to-patient variation explained only 2% of variation. Provider-to-provider variation explained 57% of variation in whether a patient filled a medication within 30 days of a visit, whereas patient-to-patient variation explained only 30% of variation. CONCLUSION Patients with epilepsy fill a large number of medications from a large number of providers, including high-risk medications. Variation in medication fills was substantially more related to provider-to-provider rather than patient-to-patient variation. The better understanding of drivers of high-prescribing practices may reduce avoidable medication-related harms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel W Terman
- University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; University of Michigan, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Carole E Aubert
- University of Michigan, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of General Internal Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Switzerland; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Donovan T Maust
- University of Michigan, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; University of Michigan, Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Chloe E Hill
- University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; University of Michigan, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Chun C Lin
- University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - James F Burke
- University of Michigan, Department of Neurology, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; University of Michigan, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Martinez KA, Linfield DT, Gupta NM, Alapati MV, Moussa D, Hu B, Kim LD, Lam S, Russo-Alvarez G, Rothberg MB. Patient and physician factors contributing to polypharmacy among older patients. Curr Med Res Opin 2022; 38:123-130. [PMID: 34544289 DOI: 10.1080/03007995.2021.1982683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Polypharmacy, or use of multiple medications, is associated with patient factors. Less is known regarding variation in polypharmacy by individual physicians. The objective of this study was to assess patient and physician factors associated with polypharmacy among older patients. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of patients aged ≥65 years with a primary care visit at Cleveland Clinic Health System in 2015 and their physicians. We collected patient demographics, comorbidities and current medications from the electronic health record, including potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). We used mixed effects linear regression to estimate adjusted differences in the number of medications by patient factors. We generated adjusted prescribing rates for individual physicians and assessed differences in physician performance on quality measures by their prescribing rate. RESULTS Our study included 44,570 patients who were prescribed an average of 6.8 medications (standard deviation: 4.0) by 701 physicians. Female sex, higher BMI, having Medicaid insurance, current or former smoking status, comorbidities and seeing a specialist were associated with number of medications. Age was not. Among 267 physicians who saw ≥20 study-eligible patients, the adjusted mean number of medications per patient ranged from 5.2 to 9.6. Compared to physicians who prescribed above the mean, lower prescribing physicians performed significantly better on medication reconciliation (p = .007) and hypertension control (p < .001) and prescribed fewer PIMs (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Individual physicians varied in their prescribing practices, even after adjusting for patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Interventions to reduce polypharmacy in older adults should target high prescribing physicians, as physician behavior is more actionable than patient factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Martinez
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Value-Based Care Research, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Debra T Linfield
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Niyati M Gupta
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Value-Based Care Research, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Daniel Moussa
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bo Hu
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Luke Dogyun Kim
- Department of Geriatrics, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Simon Lam
- Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Michael B Rothberg
- Cleveland Clinic Center for Value-Based Care Research, Cleveland, OH, USA
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DeRemer CE, Shaddock R, Anderson KV, Curtis SD. Measuring the immediate impact when first year pharmacy students are introduced to diverse career pathways. CURRENTS IN PHARMACY TEACHING & LEARNING 2021; 13:1503-1509. [PMID: 34799066 DOI: 10.1016/j.cptl.2021.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE To assess if exposure to diverse pharmacy career pathways influences the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) student's career plans within the first month of an academic curriculum. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING First year PharmD students were enrolled in a four-week course with a focus on introduction to core practice areas of pharmacy: community, hospital, and managed care. Guidance was provided with resources and a pharmacist panel to aid in both self-learning and direct sharing about diverse areas of pharmacy practice extending beyond the core course practice areas. A survey was given at the beginning and at the end of the course to measure the influence of course activities on first year students' aspirations for varied pharmacy careers. All students completed the survey but needed to opt into the research for data to be collected. Chi-square, Fisher's Exact Test, and descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. FINDINGS In this study of 508 first year pharmacy students, we found that 50.8% reported a change in their pharmacy career plans at the end of the course. Student interest in non-traditional career paths increased from 38.2% at the beginning of the course to 47.6% at the end of the course. As a result, students reported that they would select different electives (P < .001), pursue different pharmacy organizations (P = .0003), and explore new internship opportunities (P < .001). Overall, 98% found the course introduced them to pharmacy career paths they were previously unaware existed. SUMMARY Early exposure to diverse pharmacy career pathways influences students' career plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina E DeRemer
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida, College of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 100486, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Rachel Shaddock
- Enhanced Medication Services Clinical Pharmacist, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Katherine Vogel Anderson
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida, College of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 100486, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
| | - Stacey D Curtis
- Department of Pharmacotherapy and Translational Research, University of Florida, College of Pharmacy, P.O. Box 100486, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
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12
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Barry HE, Hughes CM. An Update on Medication Use in Older Adults: a Narrative Review. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2021; 8:108-115. [PMID: 34306966 PMCID: PMC8294219 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-021-00274-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The global phenomenon of population aging is impacting the health and care needs of society. The use of medications by older adults is acknowledged to be the most common form of medical intervention for many acute and chronic conditions and prescribing in this population continues to increase. In this narrative review, we summarise the age-related factors that should be considered when prescribing for older adults, address some of the perennial challenges related to medicine use in older people, and highlight important emerging research in this area. RECENT FINDINGS A range of age-related factors should be considered when prescribing for older adults. However, the evidence base still lacks data pertaining to older adults due to their continued under-representation in clinical trials. Multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and inappropriate prescribing continue to remain prevalent among older adults, although recent research has been focused on the development and evaluation of complex interventions to address these challenges. SUMMARY Further high-quality studies of interventions to improve and support medication use in older adults are needed, ensuring that older adults are well represented in such trials and consideration is given to the measurement of patient- and provider-focused outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E. Barry
- Primary Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL UK
| | - Carmel M. Hughes
- Primary Care Research Group, School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7BL UK
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13
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Maxwell CJ, Mondor L, Pefoyo Koné AJ, Hogan DB, Wodchis WP. Sex differences in multimorbidity and polypharmacy trends: A repeated cross-sectional study of older adults in Ontario, Canada. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250567. [PMID: 33901232 PMCID: PMC8075196 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Multimorbidity is increasing among older adults, but the impact of these recent trends on the extent and complexity of polypharmacy and possible variation by sex remains unknown. We examined sex differences in multimorbidity, polypharmacy (5+ medications) and hyper-polypharmacy (10+ medications) in 2003 vs 2016, and the interactive associations between age, multimorbidity level, and time on polypharmacy measures. Methods and findings We employed a repeated cross-sectional study design with linked health administrative databases for all persons aged ≥66 years eligible for health insurance in Ontario, Canada at the two index dates. Descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression models were conducted; models included interaction terms between age, multimorbidity level, and time period to estimate polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy probabilities, risk differences and risk ratios for 2016 vs 2003. Multimorbidity, polypharmacy and hyper-polypharmacy increased significantly over the 13 years. At both index dates prevalence estimates for all three were higher in women, but a greater absolute increase in polypharmacy over time was observed in men (6.6% [from 55.7% to 62.3%] vs 0.9% [64.2%-65.1%] for women) though absolute increases in multimorbidity were similar for men and women (6.9% [72.5%-79.4%] vs 6.2% [75.9%-82.1%], respectively). Model findings showed that polypharmacy decreased over time among women aged < 90 years (especially for younger ages and those with fewer conditions), whereas it increased among men at all ages and multimorbidity levels (with larger absolute increases typically at older ages and among those with 4 or fewer conditions). Conclusions There are sex and age differences in the impact of increasing chronic disease burden on changes in measures of multiple medication use among older adults. Though the drivers and health consequences of these trends warrant further investigation, the findings support the heterogeneity and complexity in the evolving association between multimorbidity and polypharmacy measures in older populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen J. Maxwell
- Schools of Pharmacy and Public Health & Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Health System Performance Network (HSPN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
| | - Luke Mondor
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Health System Performance Network (HSPN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna J. Pefoyo Koné
- Health System Performance Network (HSPN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | - David B. Hogan
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Walter P. Wodchis
- ICES, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Health System Performance Network (HSPN), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Martinelli AN. Rapid Fire: Polypharmacy in the Geriatric Patient. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2021; 39:395-404. [PMID: 33863467 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Increasing prescription drug use trends in the United States affects patients across all ages, but especially the geriatric patient. As patients age, they are at increased risk for adverse events owing to natural changes in body composition and organ function, increased sensitivity to medications, and a higher chance of adverse events from drug-drug interactions and polypharmacy. Falls are common and can increase morbidity and mortality. To mitigate falls, it is imperative to have a comprehensive approach to screening home medication lists, be aware of and avoid high-risk medications, and deprescribe agents that are potentially inappropriate for this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Martinelli
- Emergency Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, University of Maryland Medical Center, 22 South Greene Street, Room WGL 136, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
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15
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Cantillana-Suárez MG, Robustillo-Cortés MDLA, Gutiérrez-Pizarraya A, Morillo-Verdugo R. Impact and acceptance of pharmacist-led interventions during HIV care in a third-level hospital in Spain using the Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity pharmaceutical care model: the IRAFE study. Eur J Hosp Pharm 2021; 28:e157-e163. [PMID: 33627478 DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2020-002330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent decades, HIV has become a chronic disease with which the HIV specialist pharmacist plays a fundamental role. The traditional pharmaceutical care model followed to date relied excessively on the medication, obviating the uniqueness of each patient. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence and acceptance of a Capacity-Motivation-Opportunity (CMO)-based structured pharmaceutical care (PC) intervention in a multidisciplinary team for improving healthcare results. METHODS Prospective single-centre study of a structured health intervention with patients living with HIV who attended hospital between January 2017 and June 2018 for any cause. Pharmacotherapeutic follow-up was applied according to the CMO PC model based on three key elements, namely stratification, motivational interview and new technologies. To assess differences in the variables collected before and after the intervention, Student's t-test or Wilcoxon test, and McNemar's test were used for quantitative and dichotomous variables, respectively. RESULTS A total of 349 patients were included, 76.1% of which were men. The acceptance of pharmacist intervention by both doctors and patients was high [336 (97.7%) and 321 (93.3%)] and the adherence rate to antiretroviral therapy before intervention was lower than that observed afterwards (85.6%±33.7% vs 96.4%±17.7%; p<0.001). No differences were found between median viral load pre- versus post-intervention [1175 (62.75-26 050) copies/mL vs 274 (76.75-5542) copies/mL], although the undetectability rate was recorded as higher after intervention compared with the previous period [294 (85.5%) vs 274 (79.7%); p<0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Our results could help HIV pharmacy clinic specialists to recognise high-risk patients and to develop personalised follow-up care, thereby ensuring good adherence and response to treatments.
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16
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Husebo BS, Kerns RD, Han L, Skanderson M, Gnjidic D, Allore HG. Pain, Complex Chronic Conditions and Potential Inappropriate Medication in People with Dementia. Lessons Learnt for Pain Treatment Plans Utilizing Data from the Veteran Health Administration. Brain Sci 2021; 11:86. [PMID: 33440668 PMCID: PMC7827274 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11010086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), pain and chronic complex conditions (CCC) often co-occur leading to polypharmacy and with potential inappropriate medications (PIMs) use, are important risk factors for adverse drug reactions and hospitalizations in older adults. Many US veterans are at high risk for persistent pain due to age, injury or medical illness. Concerns about inadequate treatment of pain-accompanied by evidence about the analgesic efficacy of opioids-has led to an increase in the use of opioid medications to treat chronic pain in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and other healthcare systems. This study aims to investigate the relationship between receipt of pain medications and centrally (CNS) acting PIMs among veterans diagnosed with dementia, pain intensity, and CCC 90-days prior to hospitalization. The final analytic sample included 96,224 (81.7%) eligible older veterans from outpatient visits between October 2012-30 September 2013. We hypothesized that veterans with ADRD, and severe pain intensity may receive inappropriate pain management and CNS-acting PIMs. Seventy percent of the veterans, and especially people with ADRD, reported severe pain intensity. One in three veterans with ADRD and severe pain intensity have an increased likelihood for CNS-acting PIMs, and/or opioids. Regular assessment and re-assessment of pain among older persons with CCC, patient-centered tapering or discontinuation of opioids, alternatives to CNS-acting PIMs, and use of non-pharmacological approaches should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina S. Husebo
- Centre for Elderly and Nursing Home Medicine, Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Municipality of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway
| | - Robert D. Kerns
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA;
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA;
| | - Ling Han
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (L.H.); (H.G.A.)
| | - Melissa Skanderson
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT 06516, USA;
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- Charles Perkins Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006 NSW, Australia;
| | - Heather G. Allore
- Section of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; (L.H.); (H.G.A.)
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
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17
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Ross SB, Wilson MG, Papillon‐Ferland L, Elsayed S, Wu PE, Battu K, Porter S, Rashidi B, Tamblyn R, Pilote L, Downar J, Bonnici A, Huang A, Lee TC, McDonald EG. COVID-SAFER: Deprescribing Guidance for Hydroxychloroquine Drug Interactions in Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc 2020; 68:1636-1646. [PMID: 32441771 PMCID: PMC7280600 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes high morbidity and mortality in older adults with chronic illnesses. Several trials are currently underway evaluating the antimalarial drug hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment for acute infection. However, polypharmacy predisposes patients to increased risk of drug-drug interactions with hydroxychloroquine and may render many in this population ineligible to participate in trials. We aimed to quantify the degree of polypharmacy and burden of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) that older hospitalized adults are taking that would interact with hydroxychloroquine. METHODS We reanalyzed data from the cohort of patients 65 years and older enrolled in the MedSafer pilot study. We first identified patients taking medications with potentially harmful drug-drug interactions with hydroxychloroquine that might exclude them from participation in a typical 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) therapeutic trial. Next, we identified medications that were flagged by MedSafer as potentially inappropriate and crafted guidance around medication management if contemplating the use of hydroxychloroquine. RESULTS The cohort contained a total of 1,001 unique patients with complete data on their home medications at admission. Of these 1,001 patients, 590 (58.9%) were receiving one or more home medications that could potentially interact with hydroxychloroquine, and of these, 255 (43.2%) were flagged as potentially inappropriate by the MedSafer tool. Common classes of PIMs observed were antipsychotics, cardiac medications, and antidiabetic agents. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the importance of medication optimization and deprescribing PIMs in older adults. By acting now to reduce polypharmacy and use of PIMs, we can better prepare this vulnerable population for inclusion in trials and, if substantiated, pharmacologic treatment or prevention of COVID-19. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:1636-1646, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney B. Ross
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of MedicineMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and EvaluationMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Marnie Goodwin Wilson
- Division of General Internal MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | | | - Sarah Elsayed
- Centre for Outcomes Research and EvaluationMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Peter E. Wu
- Division of General Internal MedicineUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Kiran Battu
- Department of PharmacyUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Sandra Porter
- Department of PharmacyUniversity Health NetworkTorontoOntarioCanada
| | - Babak Rashidi
- Division of General Internal MedicineThe Ottawa HospitalOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Robyn Tamblyn
- Centre for Outcomes Research and EvaluationMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Louise Pilote
- Centre for Outcomes Research and EvaluationMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
- Division of General Internal MedicineMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - James Downar
- Division of Palliative MedicineThe Ottawa HospitalOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Andre Bonnici
- Department of PharmacyMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Allen Huang
- Division of Geriatric MedicineThe Ottawa HospitalOttawaOntarioCanada
| | - Todd C. Lee
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of MedicineMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Clinical Practice Assessment UnitMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of MedicineMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Emily G. McDonald
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of MedicineMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and EvaluationMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
- Division of General Internal MedicineMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
- Clinical Practice Assessment UnitMcGill University Health CentreMontrealQuebecCanada
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